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Opel’s aging Vectra sedan is well overdue for a major overhaul, but a replacement vehicle isn’t due until the second half of next year. Several prototypes, such as this one, have been spotted by spy photographers that reveal the new Vectra will have a wider and taller body than the current generation. The larger body is seen as a key strategy towards positioning the new Vectra up-market, putting it on a better standing against cars like Volkswagen’s Passat and the Alfa Romeo 159.

These images, courtesy of our friends at Autogespot, show that designers have remained true to the style previewed by Opel’s Gran Turismo Coupe Concept that was displayed at the Geneva Motor Show. This is especially true for the new Vectra’s dash layout, which looks very similar to the design used for the concept car.

Other prominent features that carry over from the concept car are the large grille, angular headlights and a pronounced boot line. The wraps should come off at next year’s Geneva Motor Show before the car officially starts sales towards the end of the year as a 2009 model. The car will also replace the current Saturn Aura sedan in the US towards the end of the decade. Before that, another concept car is rumored to be revealed at this year’s Frankfurt Show in September that’s said to be much closer to the production version.

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It's not spectacular. They have to drive home that stunning exterior with a GORGEOUS interior. It's good to see GM giving an honest effort, tho.

It looks too sporting for Saturn and Opel. I totally see Solstice in the speedo-tach-odometer area. If anything, Pontiac needs a car like this, and I have a feeling that the next G6 will get snubbed like it has in its first generation.

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In my opinion, GM has so much more options than Toyota. Just because it's an American brand does not mean it should be underlooked. What they have done with Saturn since 2000 is a miracle, and just plain impossible (for any other brand!) It's incredible, and this spy photo tells the story. The original SCs and SWs, ect. look like POS', but now, look at the Aura, the Outlook, the Sky, and the view. Not only has Saturn created more original names for their cars (Saturn Car, ______ (fill in with size or type of car, ex. 2, W=wagon). the Sky name being far the most creative, the design elements have evolved incredible. It's phenomeenal! Kudos to Saturn and GM for such a great turnaround.

Anyway back to the next-generation Aura....

And I thought the current model wa smodern enough! I've thoguht I'd seen everything Saturn can do, but no I have not! Though the actual car shown here is the Opel, the only difference betweel this and the Saturn is the badge and the namee. Literally. Anyay, this looks like some serious Camry-killer, and i'm not kidding. The current Camry looks nice, and family, but waaaay to conservative and bland, and this (at least for now) looks unique, but maybe it's just the camo.

I hope somebody photoshops this to make a full color wearing a Saturn badge. If I remeber, I wil try, but no guaranteed.

Congrats on such a spectacular evolution, Saturn (and Mr. Lutz), and on this excellent new Aura!